10 Seeds Phragmites australis, Common Reed

Sowing **Phragmites australis**, or common reed, is an effective method for growing this hardy and versatile aquatic plant. Here is a step-by-step guide to successfully sowing **Phragmites australis**:

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### **Steps for sowing Phragmites australis**

#### **1. Sowing period:**
- **Spring**: From March to May, when temperatures start to warm up.
- **Autumn**: In regions with a mild climate, for natural germination the following spring.

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#### **2. Harvesting seeds:**
- Ripe seeds are harvested in autumn, when the inflorescences become dry and brownish.
- Collect the seeds by gently shaking the inflorescences in a bag.

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#### **3. Seed preparation:**
**Phragmites australis** seeds do not require stratification, but soaking may improve germination.

##### **Soaking:**
1. Soak the seeds in warm water for **12 to 24 hours**.
2. Drain the seeds before sowing.

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#### **4. Preparation of the substrate or soil:**
- **Substrate type**:
- Light mixture rich in organic matter, composed of garden soil and peat or compost for aquatic plants.
- **Aquatic environment**:
- Prepare a wet area with standing or shallow water (5 to 10 cm deep), or use a tray filled with water.

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#### **5. Sowing seeds:**

##### **In pots or crates (controlled method)**:
1. **Filling**:
- Fill the containers with the prepared substrate.
2. **Seed Arrangement**:
- Sow the seeds on the surface without covering them, because they need light to germinate.
3. **Watering**:
- Lightly moisten the substrate with a spray bottle.
4. **Placement**:
- Place the pots in a humid and bright environment.

##### **In natural aquatic environment:**
1. **Preparing the wet soil**:
- Loosen the substrate in a marshy area or near a body of water.
2. **Sowing**:
- Sow the seeds directly on the surface.
3. **Watering**:
- Keep the soil constantly moist.

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#### **6. Germination conditions:**
- **Ideal temperature**:
- Between **15°C and 25°C**.
- **Humidity** :
- Maintain constant humidity by keeping the substrate moist or by lightly submerging the pots.
- **Light** :
- Seeds need light to germinate, do not bury them.
- **Germination time**:
- Germination typically takes **1-2 weeks**, depending on conditions.

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#### **7. Care after germination:**
1. **Transfer into water**:
- When the seedlings are about **5 to 10 cm**, they can be moved to a body of water or a marsh.
2. **Watering**:
- If grown in pots, keep the substrate moist at all times.
3. **Protection**:
- Protect young plants from birds and other animals that may consume them.

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#### **8. Final planting:**
1. **Location**:
- Choose a wet or marshy area, at the edge of a body of water or in a flood zone.
2. **Spacing**:
- Plant young plants approximately **30 to 50 cm** apart to encourage dense growth.

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#### **9. Long-term maintenance:**
1. **Water management**:
- Keep soil soggy or water standing to ensure optimal growth.
2. **Size** :
- Cut off dead stems at the end of winter to encourage regrowth in spring.
3. **Expansion monitoring**:
- **Phragmites australis** is a very vigorous plant that can become invasive. Control its expansion in sensitive areas.

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### **Uses and Benefits:**
1. **Soil stabilization**:
- Its roots help prevent erosion in wetlands.
2. **Ecological plant**:
- It improves water quality by absorbing excess nutrients.
3. **Natural habitat**:
- Provides habitat for aquatic birds and insects.

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### **Conclusion :**
Seeding **Phragmites australis** is an accessible method to introduce this aquatic plant into a humid environment. With little maintenance, it establishes quickly and provides significant ecological benefits. 🌱🌾